Pair of putti. Niccolò Roccatagliata (1560 - 1636) School of. 17th century. Bronze with a transparent reddish patina over traces of black patina.

Height of each 43 cm

The models of this interesting pair of cherubs are to be attributed to the production of the Venetian foundryman Niccolò Roccatagliata.

A subject widespread in the Renaissance and post-Renaissance era, replicated in many variations with or without musical instruments or quiver.

The decorative and sentimental impact of these cupids with small wings, large heads ringed with curls, baggy eyes and sashes tied under the armpits that leave the naked, and sexual, bodies completely free is great.

Often, difficult to find still in pairs, they adorn the tips of large fireplace andirons, as we find in museum and private collections such as the Museo Nazionale del Bargello, Florence, or the Newhouse Galleries, New York.

Given the high quality of the modelling of those presented here, we can distinguish them from certain more "cursive" productions made in the workshop for various decorative uses.

The expressiveness, the polished treatment of the surfaces and the beautiful, self-confident gesture in "contrapposto" denote castings of excellent quality and period.

Bibliography:
Enrico Colle-Angela Griseri-Roberto Valeriani, Decorative Bronzes in Italy, Electa, Milan, 2001, pp. 28-29.